Earlier this week, Governor Ralph Northam announced $1 million in grants from the Post Host Communities Revitalization Fund (PHCRF) to benefit Virginia’s oyster industry.
The grants will be used to make upgrades to Newport News’ Menchville Marina, revitalize Norfolk’s vacant Willis Building and redevelop Portsmouth’s abandoned Lovett Point property for industrial use.
“With these three projects, we are making important investments that will help ensure our global economy continues to flow through Hampton Roads,” Gov. Northam said in a statement. “Transforming poorly functioning and unused structures not only promotes job growth and new opportunities, it will also improve the quality of life for all those who visit, live, and work in these communities.”
Menchville Marina in Newport News, one of the largest oyster landing sites in Virginia, will receive $250,000 to bring the docks up to current code standards, build permanent restroom facilities and install of approximately 380 feet of riprap to stabilize the shoreline.
Willis Building in Norfolk will receive $250,000 to redevelop the vacant, 57,792-square-foot, 32-year-old building on Church Street. The Norfolk Economic Development Authrority is currently reviewing development proposals, including the renovation of the building for retail and office space, potential use for the City of Norfolk’s Department of Human Services, as well as for affordable housing.
Lovett Point in Portsmouth will receive a total of $500,000 to redevelop the 51-acre site for port-related industrial uses.
